Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Lightning in a Mason Jar: A Novel by Catherine Mann

3 reviews

2ndverse's review against another edition

2.5

slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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I wanted to like this more than I did, because the premise was intriguing. However, the writing felt flat, with dialogue that felt forced, and the two timeliness often having a feeling of forced synchronicity for the sake of the plot. As a native of South Carolina, I felt the setting reflected more a stereotype than the complicated realities of the South, and perhaps also for the complicated reality of domestic violence, too. Sadly, this just never felt real and was just not that fulfilling.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, Murder

Minor: Racism, Sexual violence, Suicide

suzyggarcia's review

5.0

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Grief

Moderate: Animal death, Suicide attempt

Minor: Racism, Murder

booksbydorothea's review

5.0

dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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5.0 stars
HIGHLY recommend

I loved this perfect historical fiction novel told in two broad timelines. It includes a strong cast of female protagonists along with evil male antagonists whom the women are escaping from. 

An unofficial, underground escape method for women and children in untenable situations is the basic plot. Of course, there is mystery, danger, and unknowns. 

The writing, characters, and storyline are so strong. 

I loved that the story was set in the South during the 1970s and 1980s and also in more contemporary times. It made the plot so much more intense and powerful.

For a more detailed review, check out my blog - booksbydorothea: 
https://booksbydorothea.blogspot.com/2025/06/review-lightening-in-mason-jar-kindle.html

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infertility, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment

Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Drug use, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Trafficking, Alcohol

Minor: Gore, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail